Chrysler Museum of Art
Museum Art museum in Norfolk, noted for glass collections
Norfolk’s Chrysler Museum of Art houses glassworks, European paintings and decorative arts; visitors come for rotating exhibitions, a glass studio and downtown access.
The Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia is an art museum founded by Walter P. Chrysler Jr. that houses collections of European and American paintings, decorative arts and a notable modern glass collection.
Holdings in painting and decorative arts across several centuries and a dedicated glass studio that supports live demonstrations and education; the collection is used for rotating exhibitions as well as permanent displays.
The museum was founded in 1933 by Walter P. Chrysler Jr.; it has grown through donations and institutional development to become a major cultural institution for southeastern Virginia.
The museum is located in downtown Norfolk and is accessible from the city’s central districts by road and public transport, serving local and regional visitors.
- Founding: Established by collector Walter P. Chrysler Jr., the museum's founding collection dates to 1933 and has been expanded by subsequent donations and acquisitions.
- Glass demonstrations: An active glass studio on site offers regular public demonstrations that highlight the museum's important modern glass holdings.
What to See #
- Chrysler Glass Studio: An on-site glass studio hosts live glassblowing demonstrations and educational workshops for visitors, and supports a significant collection of modern glasswork.
- Permanent galleries: European, American and decorative arts galleries display paintings, sculpture and applied arts spanning medieval through modern periods, organised into themed galleries.
How to Get to Chrysler Museum of Art #
The museum sits in downtown Norfolk adjacent to town landmarks; it’s an easy walk from the waterfront and city center. Street parking and municipal lots are nearby; the Norfolk Regional Transit system serves central stops within a short walk.
Tips for Visiting Chrysler Museum of Art #
- Arrive in the morning to visit the galleries before school groups arrive.
- Don't miss the Ferguson Center for the Arts and the museum's glass collection - the glass walls and Chihuly pieces are highlights.
- Check the museum calendar for evening events and late openings, which are sometimes offered.
Best Time to Visit Chrysler Museum of Art #
Open year-round; weekdays and mornings are best to avoid crowds.
Weather & Climate near Chrysler Museum of Art #
Chrysler Museum of Art's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1191 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).
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June
June is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 22°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (132 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).